Tool storage assembly

ABSTRACT

A tool storage assembly ( 12 ) comprises a housing ( 28 ) defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore through a tool passage ( 30 ) formed in the housing ( 28 ). A tool storage member ( 32 ) is mounted within the chamber of the housing ( 28 ) and defines a tool compartment ( 34 ) adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool ( 22 ) therein. The tool storage member ( 32 ) is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position, wherein the tool ( 22 ) may be deployed into the wellbore when the tool storage member ( 32 ) is in the deployment position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tool storage assembly, and in particular to a tool storage assembly for storing downhole tools to be deployed into a wellbore.

The present invention also relates to a tool deployment system and method incorporating a tool storage assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the oil and gas industry, most wells, particularly ageing wells, will require some form of remediation or maintenance operations to be performed to ensure that maximum production rates may be achieved. Such operations, generally known as workover operations, in most cases involve the deployment of specialised intervention tools into a wellbore on wireline, coiled tubing or the like to perform the necessary in-well procedures, such as re-perforation, formation stimulation, well testing or the like. Conventional workover operations on subsea wells require the use of workover risers which extend between the wellhead/Christmas tree and an appropriate BOP and lubricator or stuffing box located on a specialised intervention surface vessel. Where any riser is utilised it is critical that the integrity of the riser is maintained, especially in rough sea conditions where both lateral and vertical deviation of the surface vessel from the wellhead location may be significant. In extreme conditions the riser is conventionally disconnected from the wellhead to ensure the structural integrity of the riser is maintained. However, complex attachment mechanisms are required to ensure that the riser may be disconnected without loss of wellbore fluids into the sea. Of course, disconnecting the riser will delay the workover programme and will ultimately further delay hydrocarbon production.

Furthermore, the number of surface vessels which are suitably adapted for workover operations are extremely limited and as such the availability of these may cause significant delays to a required workover programme. Also, the rental costs of these vessels are very high and account for a significant proportion of the total workover operation costs.

Most workover programmes require the use of a significant number of different tools which must be deployed into the wellbore and subsequently retrieved to surface. When a tool change-over is required an existing tool must be retrieved to surface level and pulled through the BOP and lubricator and ultimately removed from the entire wellbore assembly, detached from the wireline or coiled tubing, and substituted for a new tool which must then be inserted into the wellbore assembly through the BOP and lubricator. This is a time consuming exercise and involves risks both to personnel and the environment in that the tools must extend through the wellbore barriers.

It has been proposed in the art to address such problems by providing subsea intervention systems which may be directly mounted at the location of the wellhead, for example on a Christmas tree. WO 2004/065757, assigned to the present applicant, discloses such a system and comprises a tool storage chamber which contains a number of downhole tools, and a winch assembly which includes a winch drum carrying a spool of wireline. In use, a tool may be selected from the tool storage chamber and moved from a storage position to a deployment position where the tool may be coupled to the wireline to then be run into the wellbore to perform a required in-well intervention operation. The tool may then be retrieved back to the wellhead location and returned to a storage position within the tool storage chamber. A further tool may then be selected, if required, to be run into the wellbore.

As the prior art system is located at a subsea location it is important that the various components operate as reliably as possible to prevent or minimise the need for remedial action from surface level. For example, the mechanism or apparatus used to handle and move the tools between stored and deployment positions must be reliable and permit proper alignment of the tool in either position to prevent jamming or snagging of the tool within the storage chamber. Additionally, the mechanism must reliably secure or support the tools and only allow release of the tools when required.

The present applicant has proposed in WO 2006/003362 a system for handling tools within a tool storage chamber of a subsea intervention system. The system includes a number of piston assemblies each including a piston which is releasably secured to an upper portion of a respective tool within the chamber, wherein the piston strokes radially to displace the tool between stored and deployed positions. In the deployed position the tool is centrally positioned within the tool storage chamber, and is aligned with upper and lower apertures, wherein the upper aperture provides wireline access, and the lower aperture provides access into the wellbore. A clamping mechanism is provided at the free end of the piston and is adapted to directly engage a profiled region of a respective tool. However, when a tool has been coupled to wireline and the clamp is disengaged from the tool, the tool is then freely suspended within the storage chamber and it is possible that the tool may become misaligned with the lower aperture. If any attempt is made to run the tool into the wellbore when misaligned, the tool may hang-up on the edge of the lower aperture or on the base of the storage chamber. Additionally, if the clamping mechanism on one of the piston assemblies should inadvertently release a tool, the tool will be dropped and possibly block the lower aperture preventing access into the wellbore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool storage assembly adapted to store tools to be deployed downhole, said tool storage assembly comprising:

a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the housing;

a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position.

In use, the tool storage member may be adapted to be misaligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the storage position. Additionally, the tool storage member may be adapted to be aligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the deployment position.

Accordingly, in use, a tool may be provided and secured within the tool compartment of the tool storage member which may be positioned within the storage position when the tool is not in use, or is not required for use, and subsequently moved towards the deployment position when the tool is to be deployed into a wellbore through the tool passage.

Advantageously, the tool storage member may shroud or encase a tool contained therein such that said tool is prevented from directly engaging other tools or objects contained within or passing through the housing of the tool storage assembly, thus providing protection for a tool when stored or when being deployed and retrieved. Additionally, the tool storage member may provide guidance for a tool during initial deployment into a wellbore and during the final stages of being retrieved back into the tool storage assembly.

The tool storage member may be adapted to be radially moved relative to the housing between the storage and deployment positions. In one embodiment the tool storage member may be located adjacent an inner wall surface of the housing when in the stored position, and moved radially inwardly from the wall of the housing towards the deployment position. The tool storage member may be positioned coaxially with, the housing when said tool storage member is located in the deployment position.

The tool compartment of the tool storage member may be adapted to contain at least a portion of a tool. The tool compartment may be adapted to contain an entire tool.

In one embodiment the tool storage assembly may be adapted for use in combination with a spoolable medium for deploying tools to and from the housing of the tool storage package. In this arrangement the spoolable medium may be adapted to be releasably coupled to a tool which is required to be deployed into a wellbore. The tool storage member may be adapted to be moved to the deployment position to permit or accommodate connection of a stored tool to a spoolable medium. Alternatively, the tool storage member may be adapted to be maintained within the storage position to permit or accommodate connection of a stored tool to a spoolable medium.

The spoolable medium may comprise wireline, coiled tubing or the like. The tool storage assembly may comprise a spool of spoolable medium contained within the housing. In an alternative embodiment, the housing may define a spoolable medium passage adapted to permit a spoolable medium to extend therethrough and into the housing from an external location. In this arrangement the spoolable medium may be provided within a winch assembly which may be mounted remotely from, adjacent to or on the tool storage assembly. The spoolable medium passage may be positioned axially opposite the tool passage. When the tool storage assembly is oriented for normal use, the spoolable medium passage may be positioned directly above the tool passage.

The tool storage member may be generally tubular in form and thus define an internal bore, wherein said internal bore defines the tool compartment. In this arrangement the tool storage member may be open at a first end to permit a tool to be deployed from and retrieved into the tool compartment of the tool storage member. In one embodiment the tool storage member may be open at an opposite second end to provide access for a spoolable medium to be connected to a stored tool. In this arrangement, the second opening in the tool storage member will permit a tool to be secured to a spoolable medium, following which the tool may be released and subsequently deployed into a wellbore through the first opening in the tool storage member, wherein the spoolable medium extends through the tool compartment of said tool storage member.

The tool storage member may comprise a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a tool within the tool compartment. The tool engagement assembly may comprise a gripping mechanism adapted to grip an outer surface of a tool. Alternatively, or additionally, the tool engagement assembly may comprise an interlocking arrangement. At least one of the outer surface of a stored tool and an inner surface of the tool compartment may comprise a recessed profile, and the other of the outer surface of a stored tool and the inner surface of the tool compartment may comprise an extendable member adapted to selectively extend to engage the recessed profile and thus selectively secure the tool within the tool compartment. In one embodiment the extendable member may be adapted to extend radially to engage the recessed profile. In a preferred embodiment, the recessed profile may be provided within the outer surface of a tool to be stored and the extendable member may be provided to extend from an inner surface of the tool compartment.

The extendable member may be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, mechanically actuated or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. In one embodiment the extendable member may be selectively extended by a hydraulic actuator, such as a piston assembly.

Alternatively, the extendable member may be adapted to be selectively extended by a cam arrangement.

The tool engagement assembly may further comprise a support member defining a cam surface upon which cam surface the extendable member is mounted, wherein movement of the support member permits the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface. The cam surface may comprise an axial cam surface, wherein axial movement of the support member permits selective extension of the extendable member. Alternatively, or additionally, the cam surface may comprise a circumferential cam surface, wherein rotational movement of the support member permits selective extension of the extendible member.

In one embodiment the tool engagement assembly may comprise an inner sleeve defining a throughbore adapted to receive at least a portion of a tool, and an aperture extending through a wall portion of the inner sleeve adapted to permit the extendable member to extend therethrough. In this embodiment the support member may comprise an outer sleeve slidably mounted about the inner sleeve wherein the cam surface is defining on the outer sleeve such that relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves permits selective extension of the extendable member through the aperture in the inner sleeve to thus selectively engage a tool positioned within the inner sleeve.

In one embodiment the cam surface of the support member may comprise a circumferential cam surface. In an alternative embodiment the cam surface may comprise an axial cam surface.

In one embodiment the support member and extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to positively displace the extendable member in reverse directions, such that manipulation of the support member in the required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member may be secured relative to the cam surface of the support member such that movement of the support member in reverse directions effects corresponding movement of the extendable member also in reverse directions. The extendable member may be secured relative to the cam surface via an inter-engaging profiled arrangement, such as a dovetail profiled arrangement. Alternatively, the cam surface may define a slot extending in the direction of intended movement of the support member, wherein the extending member comprises a securing arrangement secured within the slot. The securing arrangement may define a clamping assembly and may comprise a pin extending through the slot between the extendable member located on one side of the cam surface and a securing plate located on an opposite side of the cam surface, such that the cam surface may be slidably clamped between the extendable member and the securing plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the support member and extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to positively displace the extendable member in a single direction. For example, manipulation of the support member in the required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be one of extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member may slidably engage the cam surface without any further connection therebetween. In this arrangement the extendable member may be biased against the force applied thereon by the cam surface of the support member, such that the extendable member may be returned towards a datum position when the force of the cam surface is removed. The extendable member may be biased by a spring member, such as a coiled spring, elastic body or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable member may be biased by fluid pressure within the tool storage member.

The tool engagement assembly may further comprise an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to effect one or both of retraction and extension of the extendable member. In one embodiment the activating mechanism may be adapted to positively move the support member to effect only extension of the extendable member. The activating mechanism may comprise a plunger adapted to engage the support member. The plunger may be adapted to engage an axial end face of the support member. The plunger and support member may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the plunger and support member may be separately formed. In this arrangement the plunger and support member may be secured together, for example by screwing, bolting, welding or the like, or alternatively may remain unfastened and in relative surface engagement.

The activating mechanism may comprise a plate defining an actuation surface adapted to receive a force to move the support member. The force may comprise a fluid force. For example the plate may form part of a piston assembly in which the actuation surface defines a piston face adapted to be exposed to fluid pressure. Alternatively, or additionally, the force may comprise a mechanical force. For example, the plate may be adapted to be engaged by an activating piston or the like.

The plate may define an aperture extending therethrough and may be annular in form. The aperture may be adapted to permit the passage of a spoolable medium therethrough.

The support member may be biased in a preferred direction. In one embodiment the support member may be biased in a direction to cause retraction of the extendable member. The support member may be biased by a spring which may act against an axial end face of the support member. The spring may comprise a coiled spring, elastic body, gas spring or the like.

In embodiments of the invention a plurality of extendable members may be provided. The extendable members may be axially distributed relative to the tool storage member. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable members may be circumferentially distributed relative to the tool storage member.

In one embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a single tool engagement assembly, which may be adapted to selectively engage any suitable portion of a tool. For example, the tool engagement assembly may be adapted to engage an upper region of a tool. It should be understood that the upper region of a tool is a trailing region of the tool when being deployed into a wellbore.

In an alternative embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a plurality of tool engagement assemblies distributed along the length of the tool storage member such that a tool may be selectively engaged at a plurality of regions. In this arrangement each tool engagement assembly may comprise respective support members and inner sleeves. Alternatively, a single support member or a single inner sleeve may extend between two or more tool engagement assemblies.

The tool engagement assembly may be coupled to a tubular member, wherein said tool engagement assembly and said tubular member collectively define the tool storage member. The tool engagement assembly may be threadably coupled together.

The tool storage assembly may further comprise a displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage member between the storage and deployment positions. The displacement assembly may be adapted to move the tool storage member hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. The displacement assembly may comprise a piston arrangement, which piston arrangement may be secured relative to the housing. The piston arrangement may comprise a cylinder secured relative to the housing and a piston member mounted within the cylinder and defining a free end adapted to be coupled to the tool storage member. The cylinder may be mounted externally of the housing with the piston member extending through a wall portion of the housing. Alternatively, the cylinder may be mounted internally of the housing.

The free end of the piston member may be secured to the tool storage member via a pinned connection. For example, one of the piston member and the tool storage member may comprise a pin, and the other of the piston member and tool storage member may comprise a pin-receiving portion adapted to receive and engage the pin. The pin-receiving portion may comprise a bore, lug, slot, hook or the like. In a preferred embodiment the piston member comprises a pin and the tool storage member comprises a pin-receiving portion.

The displacement assembly may be adapted to lock the tool storage member in either or both of the storage and deployment positions.

The displacement assembly may comprise first and second piston arrangements, which may be axially distributed along the housing. The first piston arrangement may engage an upper portion of the tool storage member, and the second piston arrangement may engage a lower portion of the tool storage member. In one embodiment the first and second piston arrangements may be adapted to stroke simultaneously to move the tool storage member between the storage and deployment positions. Alternatively, the first and second piston arrangements may be adapted to stroke consecutively such that one piston arrangement strokes before the other.

The tool storage assembly may comprise a plurality of tool storage members each adapted to store one or more tools therein. Accordingly, a large number of tools may be reliable secured within the tool storage system and selected for deployment as required.

In one embodiment the tool storage members, when in the storage position, may be circumferentially distributed around the inner wall surface of the housing.

The housing may be adapted to be secured to a wellhead. The housing may be directly secured to a wellhead. Alternatively the housing may be indirectly secured to a wellhead via, for example, a Christmas tree, well control assembly or the like.

The tool storage assembly may be adapted for use within a tool deployment system for deploying tools into and retrieving tools from a wellbore, for example to perform a workover operation. The tool storage assembly may be adapted to be coupled to a winch assembly, which winch assembly comprises a spoolable medium for use in deploying and retrieving tools contained within the tool storage assembly.

The tool storage assembly may be adapted for subsea use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool deployment system for use in deploying tools into a wellbore, said system comprising a tool storage assembly according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying a tool into a wellbore, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a tool storage assembly according to the first aspect;

locating a tool within the tool compartment of the tool storage member;

coupling the tool storage assembly to a wellbore;

moving the tool storage member towards the deployment position; and

deploying the tool into the wellbore.

The method may further comprise the step of coupling the tool to a spoolable medium prior to being deployed.

The method may further comprise the step of retrieving the tool from the wellbore back into the tool compartment of the tool storage member. Further, the method may comprise the subsequent step of moving the tool storage member towards the storage position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool storage assembly comprising:

a housing;

a tool storage member mounted within the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to be aligned with a wellbore access to permit a tool to be displaced between a wellbore and the tool compartment;

a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises:

-   -   an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool compartment         to engage a tool;     -   a support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the         extendable member; and     -   an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support         member to permit the extendable member to be selectively         extended by interaction with the cam surface.

Accordingly, in use, a tool may be secured within the tool compartment and then aligned with a wellbore access, following which the sleeve may be moved by the activating mechanism to permit the extendable member to be retracted to release the tool. The tool may then be displaced in to the wellbore.

Additionally, in use, a tool located within a wellbore may be displaced into the tool storage member when aligned with the wellbore access, wherein the sleeve may be moved to permit the extendable member to extend to engage the tool to thus become secured within the tool compartment of the tool storage member.

The tool storage assembly may be adapted for use in combination with a spoolable medium, such as coiled tubing, wireline or the like, which spoolable medium may displace the tool between the tool storage compartment and a wellbore. The tool storage member may comprise an orifice providing access for a spoolable medium into the tool compartment. The orifice may be positioned at one end portion, and preferably an upper end portion of the tool storage member.

The extendable member may be adapted to engage a tool by gripping an outer surface of said tool. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable member may be adapted to engage a tool by an interlocking arrangement. For example, the extendable member may be adapted to extend into a recessed profile provided in an outer surface of a tool.

The extendable member may be adapted to extend radially into the tool compartment.

The cam surface may comprise an axial cam surface, wherein axial movement of the support member permits selective extension of the extendable member. Alternatively, or additionally, the cam surface may comprise a circumferential cam surface, wherein rotational movement of the support member permits selective extension of the extendible member.

In one embodiment the tool engagement assembly may comprise an inner sleeve defining a throughbore adapted to receive at least a portion of a tool, and an aperture extending through a wall portion of the inner sleeve adapted to permit the extendable member to extend therethrough. The support member may comprise an outer sleeve slidably mounted about the inner sleeve, wherein, in use, relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves permits selective extension of the extendable member through the aperture in the inner sleeve to thus selectively engage a tool positioned within the inner sleeve.

In one embodiment the support member and extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to positively displace the extendable member in reverse directions, such that manipulation of the support member in the required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member may be secured relative to the cam surface of the support member such that movement of the support member in reverse directions effects corresponding movement of the extendable member also in reverse directions. The extendable member may be secured relative to the cam surface via an inter-engaging profiled arrangement, such as a dovetail profiled arrangement. Alternatively, the cam surface may define a slot extending in the direction of intended movement of the support member, wherein the extending member comprises a securing arrangement secured within the slot. The securing arrangement may define a clamping assembly and may comprise a pin extending through the slot between the extendable member located on one side of the cam surface and a securing plate located on an opposite side of the cam surface, such that the cam surface may be slidably clamped between the extendable member and the securing plate.

In an alternative embodiment, the support member and extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to positively displace the extendable member in a single direction. For example, manipulation of the support member in the required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be one of extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member may slidably engage the cam surface without any further connection therebetween. In this arrangement the extendable member may be biased against the force applied thereon by the cam surface, such that the extendable member may be returned towards a datum position when the force of the cam surface is removed. The extendable member may be biased by a spring member, such as a coiled spring, elastic body or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable member may be biased by fluid pressure within the tool storage member.

In one embodiment the activating mechanism may be adapted to positively move the support member to effect only extension of the extendable member. The activating mechanism may comprise a plunger adapted to engage the support member. The plunger may be adapted to engage an axial end face of the support member. The plunger and support member may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the plunger and support member may be separately formed. In this arrangement the plunger and support member may be secured together, for example by screwing, bolting, welding or the like, or alternatively may remain unfastened and in relative surface engagement.

The activating mechanism may comprise a plate defining an actuation surface adapted to receive a force to move the support member. The force may comprise a fluid force. For example the plate may form part of a piston assembly in which the actuation surface defines a piston face adapted to be exposed to fluid pressure. Alternatively, or additionally, the force may comprise a mechanical force. For example, the plate may be adapted to be engaged by an activating piston or the like.

The plate may define an aperture extending therethrough and may be annular in form. The aperture may be adapted to permit the passage of a spoolable medium therethrough.

The support member may be biased in a preferred direction. In one embodiment the support member may be biased in a direction to cause retraction of the extendable member. The support member may be biased by a spring which may act against an axial end face of the support member. The spring may comprise a coiled spring, elastic body, gas spring or the like.

In embodiments of the invention a plurality of extendable members may be provided. The extendable members may be axially distributed relative to the tool storage member. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable members may be circumferentially distributed relative to the tool storage member.

In one embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a single tool engagement assembly, which may be adapted to selectively engage any suitable portion of a tool. For example, the tool engagement assembly may be adapted to engage an upper region of a tool. It should be understood that the upper region of a tool is a trailing region of the tool when being deployed into a wellbore.

In an alternative embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a plurality of tool engagement assemblies distributed along the length of the tool storage member such that a tool may be selectively engaged at a plurality of regions. In this arrangement each tool engagement assembly may comprise respective support members. Alternatively, a single support member may extend between two or more tool engagement assemblies.

The tool engagement assembly may be coupled to a tubular member, wherein said tool engagement assembly and said tubular member collectively define the tool storage member. The tool engagement assembly may be threadably coupled together.

The tool storage assembly may further comprise a displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage member into and out of alignment with the wellbore access. The displacement assembly may be adapted to move the tool storage member hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool storage assembly comprising:

a tool compartment;

a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises:

-   -   an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool compartment         to engage a tool;     -   a support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the         extendable member; and     -   an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support         member to permit the extendable member to be selectively         extended by interaction with the cam surface.

Various features identified above according to the fourth aspect may apply to the tool storage assembly of this fifth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a tool storage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention shown incorporated within a subsea tool deployment system;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are longitudinal cross sectional views of a tool engagement assembly of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1, shown in alternative configurations; and

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lower portion of a tool storage member of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to FIG. 1 of the drawings in which there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a subsea tool deployment system, generally identified by reference numeral 10, which incorporates a tool storage assembly, generally identified by reference numeral 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The tool deployment system 10 is mounted on a subsea wellhead 14 and Christmas tree 16, and further comprises a well control package 18 positioned below the tool storage assembly 12, and a winch assembly 20 positioned above the tool storage assembly 12. As will be described in further detail below, the tool storage assembly 12 contains a number of downhole tools 22 which may be individually selected and run into a wellbore 24 on wireline 26 which extends from a winch drum 21 mounted within the winch assembly 20. FIG. 1 demonstrates a downhole tool 22 a being deployed into the wellbore 24.

The tool storage assembly includes a housing 28 which is in fluid communication with the wellbore 24 through a lower aperture 30 which defines a tool passage. A number of tool storage members 32 are mounted within the housing 28, wherein each member 32 defines a tool compartment 34 within which is releasably mounted a respective tool 22. Each tool storage member 32 is mounted relative to the housing 28 via upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 which are mounted on an external surface of the housing 28 and extend through a wall surface thereof to engage respective upper and lower portions of the tool storage member 32. In use, the upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 move a respective tool storage member 32 between a storage position in which the tool storage member 32 is positioned adjacent the inner wall surface of the housing 28, and a deployment position in which the tool storage member 32 is positioned coaxially within said housing 28 to align the tool compartment 34 with the axis of the wellbore 24.

Each tool storage member 32 comprises a tool engagement assembly 40 adapted to releasably secure the tool within the tool compartment 34. A detailed description of the tool engagement assembly 40 will be provided hereinafter.

Advantageously, each tool storage member 32 shrouds or encases a respective tool 22 such that said tool 22 is prevented from directly engaging other tools or objects contained within or passing through the housing 28 of the tool storage assembly 12, thus providing protection for each tool 22 when stored, or when being deployed and retrieved. Furthermore, each tool storage member 32 may provide guidance for a respective tool 22 during initial deployment into the wellbore 24 and during the final stages of being retrieved back into the tool storage assembly 12.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings in which front and top elevational views, respectively, of the tool storage assembly 12 are shown. As described above, the tool storage assembly 12 comprises a housing 28 within which are located a number of tool storage members 32 which may be moved by respective upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 between storage and deployment positions. Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the present embodiment incorporates eight individual tool storage members 32 which, when in the storage position, are circumferentially distributed around the inner surface of the housing 28. When a particular tool 22 a is required to be deployed into the wellbore 24 (FIG. 1), the appropriate tool storage member 32 a is moved from the storage position to the deployment position to thus coaxially align the tool 22 a within the housing 28. The tool 22 a may then be coupled to the wireline 26 (FIG. 1), released from the tool storage member 32 a and subsequently deployed into the wellbore 34. Once the required in-well operation has been completed, the tool 22 a may then be retrieved back into the tool storage member 32 a, secured in place therein, and subsequently returned back to the storage position. Following which, a further tool may be selected and deployed in the same manner.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4 of the drawings in which there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool storage assembly 12. The tool storage members 32 are generally tubular in form and are each defined by a tool engagement assembly 40 coupled to a respective lower tubular member 41, wherein the tool storage compartment 34 of each storage member 32 is collectively defined by the tool engagement assembly 40 and the associated lower tubular member 41.

It should be noted that each of the upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 are of the same form, and each comprise a cylinder 42 which is secured to the outer surface of the housing 28 via bolts 44. A piston member 46 is slidably mounted within the cylinder and extends through a port 48 formed through the wall of the housing 28 to engage an associated tool storage member 32. In use, the piston member 46 is caused to stroke by application of hydraulic pressure to therefore move the tool storage member 32 between the storage and deployment positions. Although not shown in FIG. 4, each piston arrangement 36,38 incorporates locking means which permit the piston member 46 to be locked at least in a position to maintain an associated tool storage member 32 in the deployment position.

The tool engagement assembly 40 of each tool storage member 32 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, in which the tool engagement assembly 40 is shown in secured and released configurations, respectively. The tool engagement assembly 40 comprises an inner sleeve 50 which defines a throughbore 52 within which an upper portion of a tool (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) may be positioned. The inner sleeve 50, in the embodiment shown, defines a number of slots 54 which extend through a wall portion thereof and in use receive respective extendable members or dogs 56. As will be described in further detail below, the dogs 56 are caused to extend radially inward through the skits 54 to engage the upper portion of a tool contained within the through bore 52, and specifically to engage a profiled portion of a tool, and to be moved radially outwardly to disengage and thus release the tool.

The tool engagement assembly 40 further comprises an outer sleeve 58 mounted about the inner sleeve 50, wherein the outer sleeve 58 incorporates a frusto-conical portion 60 which defines a cam surface, wherein the cam surface engages the back surfaces of the dogs 56. In use, movement of the outer sleeve 58 in an upward direction causes the dogs 56 to be extended radially inwardly by interaction with the cam surface, as shown in FIG. 5, and movement of the outer sleeve 58 in a downward direction causes the dogs 56 to be retracted radially outwardly, as shown in FIG. 6.

It should be noted that each dog 56 is secured to the frusto-conical portion 60 of the outer sleeve via a pinned connection. That is, each dog 56 comprises a pair of pins 62 which extend through respective slots formed in the frusto-conical portion 60 of the inner sleeve and engage a plate 64, such as a washer or the like, to therefore clamp each dog 56 against the cam surface of the frusto-conical portion 60. Accordingly, by virtue of this physical connection between the dogs 56 and the outer sleeve 58, the dogs 56 may be positively extended and retracted by movement of the outer sleeve 58 in reverse directions.

The outer sleeve 58 is biased in an upward direction by a coiled spring 66 which acts against an axial end face 68 of the outer sleeve 58. Accordingly, the spring 66 will function to bias the dogs 56 towards the extended position.

The tool engagement assembly 40 further comprises an activating mechanism in the form of a plunger 70 which functions to press against the outer sleeve 58 and thus move said sleeve in a downward direction against the bias of spring 66. The plunger 70 comprises a plate 72 and a plurality of elongate pins 74 which extend between the plate 72 and an upper axial end face 76 of the outer sleeve 58. In use, the plunger 70 may be depressed by applying a force, such as a hydraulic force, mechanical force or the like on plate 72 to therefore cause the outer sleeve 58 to be moved in a downward direction and thus retract the dogs 56 to therefore release a tool.

The plate 72 is generally annular in form and defines a central aperture 78 which permits passage of the wireline 26 (FIG. 1) which coupled to a tool being deployed/retrieved.

A lug 80 defining an aperture 82 is mounted on an upper region of the tool engagement assembly 40, wherein the aperture 82 is adapted to receive a pin which is secured to the free end of the piston member 46 (FIG. 4) of an upper piston arrangement 36.

Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 7 of the drawings in which there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower tubular member 41 of the tool storage member 32. It should be noted that the tool engagement assembly 40 and the lower tubular member 41 are threadably secured together, specifically via a male threaded portion 84 provided on the tool engagement assembly 40 and a female threaded portion 86 provided on the lower tubular member 41.

Secured to a lower end region of the lower tubular member 41 is a lug member 88 which defines a slot 90 which is opened at a lower end and in use receives a pin which is mounted on the free end of the piston member 46 of a lower piston arrangement 38. Accordingly, both the upper and lower regions of each tool storage member are secured to respective upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 via pinned connections. Advantageously, the provision of the lug member 88 with the open ended slot 90 from therein permits the upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 to be able to stroke independently of each other, without resulting in the tool storage member inadvertently becoming jammed or otherwise stuck between the storage and deployment positions due to misalignment with the longitudinal axis of the tool storage assembly 12. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 are adapted to be stroked sequentially, with the upper piston arrangement 36 being stroked before the lower piston arrangement 38. This arrangement therefore permits the control system associated with stroking the piston arrangements 36, 38 to be simplified.

It should be understood that the embodiment described above is merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the overall tool deployment system shown in FIG. 1 may incorporate any number or type of individual components or assemblies. For example, the winch assembly identified as being secured above the tool deployment assembly may instead be mounted remotely of the remainder of the tool deployment system. Additionally, any number of tool storage members may be provided, and the tool storage members may be moved between the storage and deployment position by an alternative mechanism or arrangement, other than the piston arrangements disclosed. 

1. A tool storage assembly adapted to store tools to be deployed downhole, said tool storage assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the housing; and a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position.
 2. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in use, the tool storage member is adapted to be misaligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the storage position, and is adapted to be aligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the deployment position.
 3. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool compartment of the tool storage member is adapted to contain at least a portion of a tool.
 4. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool compartment is adapted to contain an entire tool.
 5. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, adapted for use in combination with a spoolable medium for deploying tools to and from the housing.
 6. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool storage member is generally tubular in form and defines an internal bore, wherein said internal bore defines the tool compartment.
 7. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool storage member is open at a first end to permit a tool to be deployed from and retrieved into the tool compartment of the tool storage member, and open at an opposite second end to provide access for a spoolable medium to be connected to a stored tool.
 8. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool storage member comprises a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a tool within the tool compartment.
 9. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises a gripping mechanism adapted to grip an outer surface of a tool.
 10. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises an interlocking arrangement.
 11. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the outer surface of a stored tool and an inner surface of the tool compartment comprises a recessed profile, and the other of the outer surface of a stored tool and the inner surface of the tool compartment comprises an extendable member adapted to selectively extend to engage the recessed profile and thus selectively secure the tool within the tool compartment.
 12. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises a support member defining a cam surface upon which cam surface an extendable member arranged to engage a tool is mounted, wherein movement of the support member permits the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface.
 13. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein support member and extendable member are formed and arranged to permit the support member to positively displace the extendable member in reverse directions.
 14. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the tool engagement assembly further comprises an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to effect one or both of retraction and extension of the extendable member.
 15. The tool storage assembly according to claim 14, wherein the activating mechanism comprises a plunger adapted to engage the support member.
 16. The tool storage assembly according to claim 14, wherein the activating mechanism comprises a plate defining an actuation surface adapted to receive a force to move the support member.
 17. The tool storage assembly according to claim 16, wherein the plate defines an aperture extending therethrough.
 18. The tool storage assembly according to claim 17, wherein the aperture is adapted to permit the passage of a spoolable medium therethrough.
 19. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the support member is biased in a preferred direction.
 20. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tool engagement assembly is coupled to a tubular member, wherein said tool engagement assembly and said tubular member collectively define the tool storage member.
 21. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, further comprise a displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage member between the storage and deployment positions.
 22. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the displacement assembly comprises a piston arrangement, which piston arrangement is secured relative to the housing.
 23. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the displacement assembly is adapted to lock the tool storage member in either or both of the storage and deployment positions.
 24. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the displacement assembly comprises first and second piston arrangements, axially distributed along the housing.
 25. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of tool storage members each adapted to store one or more tools therein.
 26. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, adapted for subsea use.
 27. A tool deployment system for use in deploying tools into a wellbore, said system comprising a tool storage assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the housing; and a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position.
 28. A method of deploying a tool into a wellbore, said method comprising the steps of: providing a tool storage assembly comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the housing; a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position; locating a tool within the tool compartment of the tool storage member; coupling the tool storage assembly to a wellbore; moving the tool storage member towards the deployment position; and deploying the tool into the wellbore.
 29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the step of coupling the tool to a spoolable medium prior to being deployed.
 30. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the step of retrieving the tool from the wellbore back into the tool compartment of the tool storage member.
 31. The method according to claim 28, further comprising moving the tool storage member towards the storage position.
 32. A tool storage assembly comprising: a housing; a tool storage member mounted within the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to be aligned with a wellbore access to permit a tool to be displaced between a wellbore and the tool compartment; a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises: an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool compartment to engage a tool; a support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the extendable member; and an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to permit the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface.
 33. A tool storage assembly comprising: a tool compartment; a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly comprises: an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool compartment to engage a tool; a support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the extendable member; and an activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to permit the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface. 